Explained: What is the B-BBEE Commission and how does it work?

Have you spotted black economic empowerment (BEE) fronting? Do you feel that the BEE deal you’ve been part is a sham, it does not live according to the letter of the law and/or it has been grossly abused? You may have a case to take to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission (B-BBEE) which was established to momitor, police and prosecute abuse in the B-BBEE space.

The B-BBEE Commission has the power to receive and act on complaints from members of the public and can initiate investigations on its own initiative. It has the power to summon and question.

Parties found guilty could be fined up to 10% of their annual turnover if they are juristic persons or imprisoned for up to 10 years if they are natural persons. They can also be excluded from doing business in the public sector.

Here follows how the B-BBEE Commission describes itself and its mandate:

Who is the B-BBEE Commission?

The B-BBEE Commission is established as an entity within the administration of the Department of Trade and Industry by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003, as amended by Act 46 of 2013 to oversee the implementation of the Act, which includes investigations on any matter arising from the applications of Act, such as fronting.

Who can lodge a Complaint?

Any person who suspects or is aware of the violation of the Act, such as where black people are used as fronts to achieve B-BBEE points, may lodge a complaint with us.

For an example, employees in an entity may be aware that the entity is practicing fronting or tokenism by presenting black people as shareholders or as executives in the entity, when such is not the case.

It is an offence to try to improperly influence our officials or obstruct us during the exercise of the powers and performance of duties under the Act.

What sort of issues can you complain about?

Any person can complain about fronting practices, which are defined in the Act to mean those practices that undermine or frustrate the objectives of the Act, or impede the implementation of any of the provisions of the Act. So a violation of any provision of the Act can be reported to us.

Fronting practices generally take the form where black people are presented as directors, shareholders or beneficiaries in an entity for the entity to look like it has proper B-BBEE status.

Entities often do this to get higher points to qualify for a government tender or a license that they need to get to operate in sectors such as mining. Also they apply for government funding or incentives, they may put black people in the front to give the impression that the entity is empowering black people, when it is not so.

These practices come in many forms and shapes, and become creative every day. So indicators are used to detect such practices, such as where a technician is an entity is put on its structure as a shareholder or manager in the entity, but still earning his salary as a technician only, or where a black person is made a CEO decisions being taken by other persons below him in the entity.

What are the powers of the B-BBEE Commission?

We have the power to receive and act on complaints we receive from the public, or to initiate investigations on our own initiative, and thereafter make findings and recommendations.

We have the power to issue summons and question any person relevant to the investigation, as well as to obtain documents or information relevant to the case. We can also approach the court for an interdict or an order on any aspects, where necessary.

Where we find that a complaint we have investigated involves a commission of a criminal offence, we are required to refer the matter for prosecution to the National Prosecution Authority or the appropriate division of the South African Police Services.

Once investigations are completed, our findings or recommendations will be published, including on the website.

What are consequences of violating the Act?

The findings of the B-BBEE Commission can lead to cancellation of contracts that the entity investigated has with government or government entities.

Parties found guilty could be fined up to 10% of their annual turnover if they are juristic persons or imprisoned for up to ten (10) years if they are natural persons.

Parties can also be excluded from doing business with government or any government entity for a period of up to ten (10) years.

Parties who violate the Act also risk serious damage to their reputation and image, which could affect their standing and ability to attract investments or contracts, as well as legal exposure from being sued by others.

Reporting to the minister of trade and industry Rob Davies, the B-BBEE Commission is currently headed by Commissioner Zodwa Ntuli.